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Introduction
There are a few politicians who attract public attention both nationally and internationally. The reputation, or notoriety, of these politicians often stems from their characters and speech style. In the past there was a Japanese politician, Toru Hashimoto, whose speech style has gained considerable public attention, not only in Japan but also throughout the world. For example, numerous books which examine his speech style have been published - e.g. Mukoudani (2013), and Matsumoto (2012). In addition to these publications, the media also has focused on his speech style. For example, the Japan Times described him as 'A Japanese version of Trump' in the sense that his speech is as 'shocking' and 'offensive' as the current American President-elect, Donald Trump (Johnston, 2016). The Japan Times also published a list of Hashimoto's memorable statements titled 'The world according to Toru Hashimoto' (Johnston, 2012).
A former Mayor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara, in describing Hashimoto Toru, stated in his retirement interview, 'Mr. Hashimoto is very persuasive. I've never seen anyone who can give a public speech like him' (Sankee Shimbun, 2014). The current Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, also admired Hashimoto's political persona and called for a private meeting with Hashimoto to discuss changing a part of the Japanese constitution (Asahi Shimbun, 2016). Such examples demonstrate that Hashimoto, unlike other local politicians, has the ability to make speeches that are clear and comprehensive (Feldman et al., 2015: 82).
This study examines and compares how Hashimoto's often confrontational strategy used in his speeches differs from that of other Japanese politicians. In contrast to various tactics, such as defending and appraising themselves, this study examines attack on opponents as a method to attract public attention. Attack in political discourse is defined as the use of criticism and negative evaluation of opponents' policies and characters. Politicians often criticize their opponents in order to attain 'power' or 'authority', but also to reduce the likability of their opponents and to influence public opinion (Reyes, 2011).
The data used in this study is the first debate held for the local referendum to decide implementation of the Osaka Metropolis Plan that is intended to transform the Osaka prefectural and municipal governments into a united metropolitan government. The Osaka...